Alzheimer’s sufferers may forget, but we shouldn’t!

As World Alzheimer’s Day approaches, one local not for profit plans to host a free family event to raise awareness for the disease which is fast becoming a ‘global health challenge’ (according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

Dubai, 9th September 2015

Every 68 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, while nearly 44 million people are currently diagnosed sufferers of Alzheimer’s or a related dementia around the world today. There is no known cure. Early onset Alzheimer’s can no longer be considered an old person’s disease, it can affect patients in their 40’s and 50’s. A Dubai based not for profit, 4get-me-not org is raising awareness on the debilitating disease and is providing much needed support to sufferers and their families. As we draw closer to annual World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21st), it’s important not to forget about the people who are suffering in our community and recognise those who need support

4get-me-not org, in collaboration with the German Neuroscience Centre, is hosting a two-day table tennis free play and tournament this coming Friday 11th and Saturday 12th Septemberat Dubai Festival City Mall. The event is taking place to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease in a fun and active environment, whilst highlighting the link between table tennis and brain health in the run up to Word Alzheimer’s Day. During the event, 4get-me-not will be raising awareness and helping people to learn how to spot the signs of this heart-breaking neurological condition. .

Speaking ahead of the event this weekend, Desiree Vlekken, Founder & CEO of 4get-me-not org said ‘Last year’s event was a tremendous success with over 400 attendees, so we expect this one to be even better. I am always overwhelmed with the community spirit and the support our annual Alzheimer’s campaign receives. People are often very surprised to learn the correlation between table tennis and the benefits of hand eye coordination in Alzheimer’s patients. Research has revealed that boosting circulation through exercise may help to slow cognitive decline, as well as reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s which is why we are doing a fun free table tennis event. All participants will have the opportunity to meet experts from the German Neuroscience Center who will conduct on-site memory tests based on the Mini-Mental State Examination, which is commonly used to screen for dementia.’

The event which starts on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September at Festival City centre is a great fun event for all the family, it is completely free to attend and is open to players of all ages and abilities – especially the young at heart. Handmade 4getmenot trophies will be presented to winning participants in the tournament. To register to take part in the table tennis tournament, email us at info@4get-me-not.org or visit www.4get-menot.org for more information.

About the publisher

About 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s

4get-me-not is a non-profit organization (and part of Deja Vu FZE) raising awareness on Alzheimer’s disease in the UAE since 2012. Having produced a series of community events and initiatives in hospitals, schools and shopping malls, 4get-me-not combined with its strong volunteer support network are actively engaged in raising awareness to an important medical issue that is on the increase in the region and is subject to social stigma. Founder, Desiree O. Vlekken won Humanitarian of the Year in 2015 by the WOW Middle East Awards. www.4get-menot.org

About German Neuroscience CenterLocated in Dubai Healthcare City, German Neuroscience Center (GNC) specializes in Neurology; Psychiatry (adult, children and addiction); Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling; Family Therapy, Marriage Counselling; Occupational Therapy; Stress Management; Sports Psychology and Biofeedback. The clinic provides comprehensive up-to date diagnostic procedures Diagnostics and treatments are based on international guidelines that provide the latest advances in evidence-based medicine. The whole team at GNC is 100 per cent dedicated to exceed expectations. From professional reception services including effective administration and insurance management, to friendly and caring nursing staff to highly professional medical efficiency, GNC is one devoted team at the patient’s service. www.gncdubai.com